State wants public input on Gowanus Canal cleanup

The state has proposed continuing cleanup efforts along the Gowanus Canal, but first it wants input from the public.

Officials say that the former Fulton Municipal Works gas plant is the primary source of contamination after it seeped coal tar into the ground and water in the area.

National Grid, a former owner of the site, says it'll construct a sealed wall on the western shoreline of the canal to remove accumulating coal tar. In addition, the city's Department of Environmental Protection has upgraded the Gowanus sewage pumping station, which is expected to cut sewer overflow discharges into the water by 44 percent.

The Department of Conservation is now inviting residents to make comments and suggestions about the canal cleanup. The public comment period will be open until May 3, and a public hearing is scheduled for April 16.